A daunting presence in the center of midfield, Halsti brings a physical style of play to D.C. United. The Finnish international struggled to get playing time in his first season with United but should see more in his second year, as he gets more adjusted to MLS.

INTERNATIONAL: Has represented the Finland national team 25 times since his debut in 2008.

OUTSIDE MLS: Spent the last seven seasons with Malmö FF in the Allsvenskan, the top Swedish division, appearing in 115 games and scoring six goals. He helped Malmö to three league championships in the last five seasons, the first 2010 before consecutive titles in 2013 and 2014. Halsti began his professional career in 2003 with Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK) of Veikkausliiga. Has played in 20 UEFA Champions League games.